River Birch

Betula nigra

Size: 3, 7 & 15 Gallon Availability

Tree
Max size: 80’ tall x 40’ wide
Average size: 50′ tall x 30′ wide

Very Moist, Usually Moist, Moist to Dry
Clay, Loam, Sand
Sun/ Part Shade

River birches are a tree best known for their specimen bark. They bloom inconspicuously in the spring and have a yellow or orange fall color. They make an excellent tree to help minimize soil erosion, especially in wet sites and river banks. It provides food and shelter for birds and squirrels. It is the larval host for Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa) and Dreamy Duskywing (Erynnis icelus) butterflies.

The bark can be used to make a dye whose color ranges from pinks to browns. The wood has also historically been used as an excellent source for furniture, woodenware, wagon hubs, and fuel. The spring sap can be used to make sugar. Creeks used it to treat pulmonary tiberculosis, the Catawbas boiled the buds into syrup and added sulfur to make a salve for ringworm/sores, Cherokee chewed the leaves and made an infusion to treat dysentery and colds